Statues in Central Park, Sculptures in Central Park, Central Park Statue, Central Park Sculpture, Famous Statues in Central Park, Central Park Statues, Central Park Sculptures, Conservatory Water Sculptures, Delacorte Theater Sculptures, Central Park New York Statues, Alice in Wonderland sculpture in Central Park, Hans Christian Anderson statue in Central Park, Romeo and Juliet bronze figure in Central Park, The Tempest sculpture in Central Park, Balto sculpture in Central Park, Obelisk in Central Park, Pictures of Alice in Wonderland statue, Picture of Hans Christian Anderson statue, Picture of Romeo and Juliet statue, Picture of Prospero & Miranda from The Tempest sculpture, Pictures of Delacorte Theater and sculptures, Pictures of Conservatory Water and sculptures, TheNew York City, New York Central Park is home to beautiful fountains, historical monuments and stunning bronze sculptures.

Conservatory Water Statues Two of our favorite statues are located at Conservatory Water — "Alice in Wonderland" and "Hans Christain Anderson." "Alice in Wonderland" 76th Street & 5th Avenue Judging from the crowds snapping pictures during our last visit to Central Park, we're not the only ones who find Alice in Wonderland and her Mad Tea Party guests magical. This whimsical bronze sculpture (photos above and below), depicting characters from Lewis Carroll's classic book "Alice in Wonderland," is one of the park's most popular statues — with kids and adults alike. Alice in Wonderland is located on 76th Street and 5th Avenue, near Central Park's Conservatory Water. Hans Christian Anderson and "The Ugly Duckling" Located just a short distance from Alice in Wonderland sits another popular Central Park statue — Hans Christian Anderson and "The Ugly Duckling." The bronze sculpture is located on the west side of Conservatory Water, at East 74th Street and East Drive. Conservatory Water — also known at the Model Boat Pond — is a popular place with kids and their parents racing model boats.

Mid-Park at 80th Street Southwest corner of Great Lawn It seems fitting that two sculptures depicting characters of Shakespeare's plays ("Romeo & Juliet" and "The Tempest"), should be located outside Delacorte Theater — home to New York City's annual productions of "Shakespeare in the Park." "Romeo & Juliet" The romantic bronze figure of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (photo below) is located near the entrance of Delacorte Theater, mid-Park at 80th Street. "The Tempest" @ Delacorte Theater Mid-Park at 80th Street The bronze sculpture above depicts Prospero & Miranda — two of Shakespeare's main characters in his play "The Tempest." The Tempest is located next to Romeo & Juliet, near the front entrance of the Delacorte Theatre, mid-Park at 80th Street. More Fun Central Park Statues "Balto" Alaskan dog-sled hero "Balto" is located at 67th Street near Fifth Avenue. Obelisk "Cleopatra's Needle" The 70+ foot Obelisk is located in Central Park's East Side drive, at 81st Street.

Other popular Central Park sculptures include: - Christopher Columbus 212Access – Entertainment at Work Must See Sculptures in Central Park - 212Access - Entertainment at Work Must See Sculptures in Central Park 212Access August 22, 2012 3 Ten Must-See Sculptures in Central Park Central Park is more than just natural works of art. It’s also filled with man-made works of art, including statues representing some of history’s most famous icons: Romeo and Juliet, Alice in Wonderland, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Christopher Columbus. But locating these sculptures is another work of patience since the statues are scattered across the 843 acres of city-owned land. Here’s a guide to locating some of those most famous statues, along with a 212Access map to help you find them. Alice in Wonderland– Most children know the Lewis Carroll story of the girl who fell down the rabbit hole and wound up in wonderland. Since 1959, kids of all ages, and even adults, have been able to relive that whimsical story by climbing on a real-life sculpture of Alice and her friends from Wonderland.

The characters in the statue are settled around a group of mushrooms near the east side of Central Park. Words from the poem, “The Jabberwocky,” are engraved in large tiles around the statue. The sculpture is located at the East Side at 75thStreet, and it is a must-see from sculptor, José de Creeft. Obelisk (A.K.A. “Cleopatra’s Needle) – This sculpture is a must-see simply because of its history. The Obelisk, also known as “Cleopatra’s Needle,” is the oldest man-made object in Central Park. It’s also one of two obelisks that were commissioned on the banks of the Nile in 1500 BC by an Egyptian pharaoh. After being moved to Alexandria in 18 AD, the two obelisks were separated. One was moved to London in 1879, and the other was transported to Central Park in 1881. Take a walk to its location at the East Side at 81st Street and spend a few minutes looking at all the hieroglyphics on the four sides. Another interesting fact about the Obelisk is the time capsule buried underneath it.

The capsule includes an 1870 U.S. census, the Bible, Webster’s Dictionary, the complete works of Shakespeare, a guide to Egypt, a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence and a small box that was placed in the capsule by the man who coordinated the purchase and transportation of the Obelisk. Romeo and Juliet – The Romeo and Juliet sculpture in Central Park, by sculptor Milton Hebald, is one of two situated at the entrance to the Delacorte Theatre where The Public Theater hosts Shakespeare in the Park. The sculpture depicts Romeo and Juliet in an embrace as they are about to share a fated kiss. The statue is very simplistic, and that, as the Official Central Park website points out, “lends additional innocence to the moment.” The sculpture is located Mid-park at 80th Street near the Delacorte Theater. Ludwig van Beethoven – Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most well-known composers. His compositions, like “Moonlight Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 14 in C♯ minor “Quasi una fantasia”),” have stood the test of time, and so has he as a musical genius.

There is a sculpture of him, by sculptor Henry Bearer, at the Westside of the Concert Ground/The Mall, mid-Park at 70th Street. According to the Central Park website, “The sculpture of the composer, which also includes the personification of the Genius of Music, stands now on the site of the original bandstand.” It only makes sense that his likeness would be placed around the concert ground. There is also a nearly identical bust of him in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Balto – Balto was a husky sleigh dog that is credited with saving children from a deadly diphterhia outbreak. In January 1925, Balto and more than 20 sled teams helped transport medicine almost 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome in hopes of saving children from the quickly spreading epidemic. Balto lead the final team to Nome in snow and sub-zero temperatures. This sculpture was dedicated in his honor 10-months after that humanitarian mission. The sculptor who created it was Frederick G. R. Roth.

The inscription in front of the sculpture reads: “Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the Winter of 1925.Endurance · Fidelity · Intelligence.” The sculpture is located at the East Drive at 67th Street Hans Christian Andersen – Hans Christian Andersen was an author, best known for his children’s stories such as “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.” The sculpture of him, by sculptor Georg John Lober, is located at74th Street near Fifth Avenue, west of Conservatory Water. In the sculpture, Mr. Andersen is sitting, reading “The Ugly Duckling” to a duck who is paying quite a bit of attention. Look closely at the book—the title “Andersen’s Fairy Tales” is engraved on the cover of the book and lines from “The Ugly Duckling” are engraved in the opened pages. In the summer, children’s stories are read at this sculpture. Empire in the Doris C. Freedman Plaza – The Doris C.

Freeman Plaza is one of many rotating sculptures in the Doris C. Freedman Plaza. The sculpture, “Empire,” by Eva Rothschild is on display until August 2011. According to the Central Park website, “The sculpture is meant to reference the role of the Plaza as one of the most heavily used entrances of the Park. Rising nearly 20 feet over the Plaza, the sculpture takes the form of a multi-directional arched gateway.” The Plaza is located at the East Side Perimeter Wall at Fifth Avenue and 60th Street. William Shakespeare – The William Shakespeare sculpture was the first sculpture of a writer placed on the Mall, or Literary Walk, in Central Park. The sculpture was donated to honor the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. The sculptor was John Quincy Adams Ward, but he had help with the sculpture. Actors James Morrison Steele MacKay and Edwin Booth were involved with the creation. Booth advised Ward on the costume for Shakespeare and MacKay was the model for it. The sculpture is located at the South end of the Mall/Literary Walk, at East 66th Street.

Dancing Goat – The Dancing Goat is another sculpture from the animal sculptor, Frederick George Richard Roth. It is one of two sculptures on the sides of Central Park Zoo’s Dancing Crane Café. The other is the “Honey Bear” on the north side. The Dancing Goat is a bronze sculpture that serves as a fountain. The goat is delightful for everyone, and the five little ducks at his feet that spray water are just as adorable. The sculpture is located inside the Central Park Wildlife Conservation Center at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue. Christopher Columbus – This Christopher Columbus sculpture was dedicated in Central Park in 1892- the 400thanniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. Russo’s monument shows Columbus with his hand on his ship, while Jeronimo Sunol’s sculpture shows him with an outstretched arm and a thankful expression for his successful voyage. The sculpture is located Mid-Park at the southern end of the Mall, East Drive at 66th Street. The Mall in Central Park Map it The Mall by shozgirl A walkway leading to the beautiful Bethesda Terrace, the Central Park Mall runs through the middle of the Park from 66th to 72nd street.

It remains the sole formal feature of Olmsted and Vaux's naturalistic creation. To the north lies the Terrace Bridge, while the Olmsted Flower Bed is located directly south of the Mall. Once referred to as an "open air hall of reception" by its creators, the Mall was specially designed to accommodate the width of carriages passing through its bounds. Around the turn of the century, these carriages would drop off their wealthy inhabitants at the Mall's starting point, where they could enjoy the natural scenery and mingle with people of lesser status. When these visitors finally reached the Bethesda Terrace, their carriages would be waiting to bring them to their next destination. Sponsored Links The Mall is still known as a gathering place, occupied by skateboarders, rollerbladers, and street performers. While strolling along the path, visitors will notice a large number of American elm trees. Popular at the time of their planting, these trees are rather uncommon today, and the Central Park Mall boasts one of the largest plantations of the American elm. The Literary Walk, found at the southern end of the Mall, contains statues of such well-known literary figures as William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns among others.

Alice in Wonderland in Central Park Located just north of the Conservatory Water at East 74th Street, Alice in Wonderland stands eleven feet tall in bronze, surrounded by the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and a few of her other friends. Alice in Wonderland in Central Park by gracepap The sculpture was constructed in 1959 by José de Creeft under the commission of philanthropist George Delacorte so that children could visit and experience the wonder of Lewis Carroll’s classic story. Atypical of most sculptures, children are invited to climb, touch and crawl all over Alice and her friends. In fact, through the decades thousands of hands and feet have literally polished parts of the statue’s surface smooth. Visit Alice in Wonderland during one of our Central Park horse and carriage tours , bike tours , pedicab tours , or walking tours . The design for the bronze sculpture was patterned off the original illustrations of John Tenniel that were used in the first published edition of the book. The obvious centerpiece of the work, Alice, who depicts the face of Creeft’s daughter, Donna, is pictured sitting on a giant mushroom reaching toward a pocket watch held by the White Rabbit.

Peering over her shoulder is the Cheshire Cat, surrounded by the Dormouse, Alice's cat Dinah, and the Mad Hatter -- a caricature of George Delacorte. Sponsored Links The sculptor also included an inscription in a granite circle surrounding the work: a line from “The Jabberwocky,” also by Lewis Carroll: “'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe.” Share or Bookmark Central Park Sculptures, Statues, Outdoor Artwork Map & List - Must See New York More Info The 107th Infantry Memorial is dedicated to the men who served in the 107th New York Infantry Regiment, originally Seventh Regiment of New York, during World War I. The regiment was, as its name implies, stationed in New York, and consisted of males mainly from this region. In 1917, the National Guard's 7th New York Infantry Registry Division.

While in France, they saw heavy action, and at the end of the war in November 1918, of the 3,700 men originally in the regiment, 580 men were killed and 1,487 wounded, with four of the regiment's soldiers being awarded the Medal of Honor. The memorial depicts seven men; the one to the far right carrying two Mills bombs, while supporting the wounded soldier next to him. To his right another infantryman (depicting Robert Russell Bennett, a 107 combat veteran who was asked by the artist to model for the statue along with 6 other actual 107 veterans of the Somme) rushes towards the enemy positions, while the helmet less squad leader and another soldier are approaching the enemy with bayonets fixed. To the far left, one soldier is holding a mortally wounded soldier, keeping him on his feet. The bronze memorial was donated by 7th-107th Memorial Committee, and was designed and sculpted by Karl Illava, who served in the 107th IR as a sergeant in World War I.

The monument was first conceived about 1920, was made in 19261927 and was placed in the park and unveiled in 1927, near the perimeter wall at Fifth Avenue and 67th Street. More Info This bronze, life-sized sculpture is a self-portrait of the esteemed Danish sculptor Albert Thorvaldsen (17701844), and was dedicated in Central Park in 1894. It is the only statue of an artist displayed in the parks of New York City, and honors a titan in his field who had broad influence in sustaining the classical tradition in art. 1880 Carl H. Conrads The standing sculpture of Alexander Hamilton standing in a grove of apple trees and crabapples west of the East Drive behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art was "presented by John C. Hamilton 1880", according to the inscription on its granite base. The donor was a descendant of Hamilton. It was sculpted by Carl Conrads.

1869 Gustav Blaser The bronze bust of naturalist Alexander von Humboldt by Gustav Blaeser (18131874) has stood since 1981 on a granite pedestal at Naturalists' Gate, 77th Street and Central Park West, opposite the corner of the American Museum of Natural History. The monument, donated by an ad hoc association of German-Americans, the Humboldt Memorial Association, was dedicated at its original location at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue on September 14, 1869.[9] Blaeser, who knew Humboldt, was said to have worked in part from Humboldt's death mask. The bronze was cast by Georg Ferdinand Howaldt, Braunschweig. More Info Balto was dedicated to the sled dogs that led several dogsled teams through a snow-storm in the winter of 1925 in order to deliver medicines that would stop a diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska. The sculpture is slightly larger than the real-life dog, and is placed on a rock outcropping on the main path leading north from the Tisch Children's Zoo.

The sculpture was created by Frederick George Richard Roth, and placed in the park in 1925. Like so many other monuments in the park, it's made of bronze, and it was donated to the park by the Balto Monument Committee to the City of New York. Under the sculpture, a small plaque can be found, containing the following inscription: Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxins six hundred miles over rough ice across treacherous waters through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the Winter of 1925. 1936 Bessie Potter Vonnoh The Burnett Memorial Fountain, dedicated to the author Frances Hodgson Burnett, was placed in the Conservatory Garden when it reopened in 1936, a donation by the ad hoc Children's Garden Building Committee. It was designed and created by Bessie Potter Vonnoh between 1926 and 1936. When Frances Hodgson Burnett died in 1924, some of her friends wanted to honor her memory by creating a storytelling area in Central Park.

They chose the Conservatory Garden's south garden, at 104th Street and Fifth Avenue, as the site for the memorial. It is believed that the two figures, a reclining boy playing the flute and the young girl holding the bowl, represent Mary and Dickon, the main characters from The Secret Garden. More Info In 1892, Christopher Columbus was donated to Central Park by the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of his arrival in the Americas. The statue replicates one made by Jeronimo Suñol in 1892,[4] located at the Plaza de Colon, in Madrid. The New York version was placed in the park in 1894 at the foot of the Mall, and is today one of two monuments of Columbus found in the park's environs, the other being the statue surmounting the column at Columbus Circle. The sculpture depicts the explorer standing with outstretched arms, looking towards the heavens in gratitude for his successful voyage.

1876 Thomas Ball The bronze standing figure of Daniel Webster by Thomas Ball stands on a high granite plinth at the confluence of two carriage drives near the foot of Strawberry Fields Memorial, at approximately 72nd Street. Ball had circulated many examples of statuettes of this model. The over-lifesize bronze, cast in Munich, was presented by Gordon W. Burnham in 1876. The plinth bears as a bronze legend Webster's famous phrases LIBERTY AND UNION, NOW AND FOREVER, ONE AND INSEPARABLE. .[10] 1965 Andrea Spadini One of the most beloved monuments in the parks of New York City, this musical clock hovers above the arcade between the Wildlife Center and the Children's Zoo. A gift of publisher and philanthropist George T. Delacorte (18941991), it was dedicated in 1965. 1892 Ferdinand Von Miller The statue of Dr James Marion Sims by Thomas Ball was cast in Munich. It is located near Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street.

More Info Eagles and Prey, designed and created by Christophe Fratin, is the oldest known sculpture in any New York City park. It is made of bronze, and was cast in Paris, France in 1850 and was placed in the park in 1863. The sculpture was donated by Gordon Webster Burnham, who also donated the statue of Daniel Webster, as well as statues in other cities. The monument depicts a goat, wedged accidentally between two rocks, which is about to be devoured by two eagles. Their talons are sunk into the back of the goat as they flap their wings in victory. 1877 James Wilson Alexander MacDonald Fitz-Greene Halleck has been described as the least known literary figure today on Literary Walk, despite being the only person to have a memorial unveiled by the then-president of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877, ten years after his death in November 1867.

The monument was funded by the use of public subscription, and had a long list of prominent guests and speakers at the dedication and unveiling of the monument, among them the president's cabinet, General of the Army William T.Sherman, the poets Bayard Taylor, George Henry Boker and William Cullen Bryant, as well as other notable citizens. The monument is made in bronze by James Wilson Alexander MacDonald, and is placed near the Literary Walk and The Mall. The monument has been thoroughly refurbished by The Central Park Conservancy, first by hot waxing it in 1983, and then again in 1992, as well as in 1999, when it was dewaxed, pressure-washed and repatinated, and then protected by a coating of a corrosion-inhibiting lacquer. More Info German-American citizens wished to honor their country's cultural heroes, Beethoven and Schiller, with monuments in the Park. The bust of Schiller, dramatist, poet, and philosopher, was the first sculpture intended to be placed in the Park. Its original site was in the Ramble, as Schiller was a Romantic nature poet.

In the 20th century, the bust was moved to the Mall, deemed a more appropriate place for the sculpture. 1903 Augustus Saint-Gaudens The sculpture of General William Tecumseh Sherman is one of the finest sculptures by the talented American sculptor and New York City resident Augustus St.Gaudens. In 1892, St. Gaudens modeled a bust of the general who lived in New York after the Civil War. He then created the equestrian sculpture in Paris, France, completing it in 1903. After much discussion, the sculpture was placed at the main entrance to the Park, befitting such an important historical figure and monumental work of art. More Info This bronze sculpture by Paul Manship (18851966) depicts a group of three bears on a circular stepped pedestal. Located at the Pat Hoffman Friedman Playground at Fifth Avenue and 79th Street, the piece was a gift from Samuel N. Friedman in memory of his wife, Pat. The piece was cast in 1960 and unveiled on October 11, 1990 at the playgrounds dedication.

1956 Georg Lober Hans Christian Andersen was a famous Danish fairy-tale write; his most notable work being "The Ugly Duckling". This statue features him sitting and reading to a stray duck. The 1956 work by sculptor Georg J. Lober was constructed with contributions from Danish and American schoolchildren. It was cast at Modern Art Foundry, Astoria, Queens, NY. 1869 John Quincy Adams Ward Indian Hunter (1866) by John Quincy Adams Ward was shown at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1867 and made the sculptor's reputation. It was the first sculpture by an American sculptor to be sited in Central Park, in 1869. It stands on the pathway west of The Mall, between the Mall and Sheep Meadow, at approximately 66th Street. More Info This heroic bronze equestrian statue depicts Argentine general José de San Martín (17781850), who helped Argentina, Chile, and Peru gain independence from the Spanish in the early part of the 19th century.

The statue is a replica of a work by French sculptor Louis Joseph Daumas (18011887) dating to 1862. The original is in Buenos Aires in a more elaborate setting. In 1950 the City of Buenos Aires gave this piece to the City of New York, in exchange for a statue previously sent to Argentina of General George Washington to whom San Martín is often compared. The monument was dedicated on May 25, 1951 on a pedestal of polished black granite designed by the noted architectural firm of Clarke & Rapuano. More Info The King Jagiello Monument is an equestrian statue of King Wladyslaw II Jagiello of Poland holding over his head two crossed swords. It is the largest sculpture in Central Park. The monument commemorates the medieval Battle of Grunwald, where Polish knights supported by Lithuanian, Ruthenian, Czech, and Tatar knights defeated the Teutonic Order. POLAND is inscribed on both sides of the plinth, and in the front lower-right corner is engraved the name of the sculptor, Stanislaw K.

Ostrowski (18791947), who created this bronze monument for the Polish 1939 New York World's Fair pavilion. As a result of the outbreak of the World War II, the monument stayed in New York; in July 1945 it was presented to the City of New York by the King Jagiello Monument Committee and permanently placed in Central Park with the cooperation of the last pre-Communist consul of Poland in New York, Kazimierz Krasicki. The King Jagiello monument is situated on the east side of the Turtle Pond, across from Belvedere Castle and southeast of the Great Lawn. 1961 Paul Manship The Lehman Gates were donated by Governor and Mrs. Herbert H. Lehman in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary upon the opening of the Central Park Children's Zoo in 1961. Depicting animals, birds and boys playing panpipes in a fanciful art Deco scrolling lintel, the whole composition is a lovely commentary on the interaction between children and animals, fitting for the zoo entrance.

More Info This sculpture, situated in the part of Central Park traditionally set aside for public concerts, depicts the famous German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (17701827) and was created by the German-American sculptor Henry Baerer (18371908). The sculptor represents Beethoven with his trademark leonine hair and an expressive intensity reflecting his musical prowess. At the base of the tall gray granite pedestal he composed a bronze allegorical figure holding a lyre, personifying the Genius of Music". A replica of the Beethoven statue stands in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. 1938 Frederick George Richard Roth Frederick George Richard Roth (1872-1944) created this whimsical sculpture of Mother Goose and her related fables. The statue consists of the central figure of a witch astride a goose, surrounded by bas-reliefs of Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, Little Jack Horner, Mother Hubbard, and Mary and her little lamb. Roth and a team of craftsmen carved this work of art from a 13-ton piece of Westerly granite.

More Info The oldest man-made object in Central Park is this Obelisk, located directly behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nicknamed Cleopatras Needle soon after its installation, the stone shaft has nothing to do with the legendary Queen of the Nile. Thutmosis III, an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled from 1479-1425 B.C., had a pair of obelisks made to celebrate his third jubilee (30th year of reign). This is one of them, and the other stands on the bank of the Thames River in London. Made from the quarries at Aswan, the two pink granite monoliths once stood on either side of the portals to the Temple of the Sun in the sacred city of Heliopolis on the Nile River. The shafts themselves are sixty-nine feet high from base to tip, and weigh somewhere between 193 and 200 tons. The base and steps, which were added in Alexandria, are 27 feet high and weigh over 50 tons. More Info One of the most important pieces of art in Central Park, the cast-bronze gates were created by renowned sculptor Paul Manship.

The Central Park Conservancy refurbished the gates in 2009, and today they stand at the entrance of Ancient Playground at Fifth Avenue and 84th Street. With their fanciful depiction of five vignettes from Aesop's Fables, the Osborn Gates found a fitting new home at the entrance of Ancient Playground. 1966 Milton Hebald The Tempest, a bronze piece in front of the Delacorte Theater, depicts Prospero, one of the main characters of celebrated playwright and poet William Shakespeares (15641616) play "The Tempest". One of two companion pieces sculpted by Milton Hebald (born 1917) and unveiled in 1966, the piece is a gift of publisher and philanthropist George T. Delacorte (18941991). More Info Pulitzer Fountain is an impressive 22-foot-high ornamental fountain located at the Grand Army Plaza, designed by sculptor Karl Bitter (1867-1915) and architect Thomas Hastings (1860-1929).

The fountain is topped by the bronze allegorical figure Pomona, the goddess of abundance, who is seen holding a basket of fruit. 1898 Daniel Chester French This piece is a bust of the architect Richard Morris Hunt at the Hunt Memorial, along with two other figures sculpted by Daniel Chester French. Flanking the Hunt bust are statuettes, one holding a sculptor's mallet and a palette, representing the allied arts, while the other holds a model for the Administration Building at the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, designed by Hunt. The granite and marble Hunt memorial was designed by American architect Bruce Price. More Info This statue honors the 58 men of the 7th Regiment who died defending the Union during the Civil War. Created by American sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward, the bronze piece depicts an American soldier, hands at rest on his rifle. Officers and members of the regiment funded the sculpture, and Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of the Park, suggested the statue's pose. Ward himself unveiled the piece during its dedication in June 1874.

1903 Augustus Saint-Gaudens The sculpture of General William Tecumseh Sherman is one of the finest sculptures by the talented American sculptor and New York City resident Augustus St. Gaudens. In 1892, St. Gaudens modeled a bust of the general who lived in New York after the Civil War. He then created the equestrian sculpture in Paris, France, completing it in 1903. After much discussion, the sculpture was placed at the main entrance to the Park, befitting such an important historical figure and monumental work of art. 1921 Sally James Farnham One of a trio of bronze equestrian sculptures representing Latin American leaders, the Simon Bolivar statue commemorates a military general and advocate of Pan-Americanism. Bolivar (1783-1830) is credited with the liberation from Spanish domination of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Panama.

1872 Sir John Steell This larger-than-life-sized bronze portrait of Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott (17711832) which was crafted by Sir John Steell (18041891) was dedicated on the Literary Walk in Central Park in 1872. Scott is depicted seated on a rock, in a flowing cloak with workingmans shoes, book and pen in hand. Beside him sits his faithful hound. 1872 Sir John Steell This statue of Scottish national poet Robert Burns (17591796), companion to the 1872 Sir Walter Scott (17711832) across Literary Walk, is by Sir John Steell (18041891), and was dedicated in 1880. Not long after the unveiling of Sir Walter Scott in 1872, a committee formed to erect a monument to Burns; a year later, specifying only the material and colossal size, it selected the same sculptor, John Steell, to create Scotts bronze counterpart.

Steell's melodramatic conception depicts Burns seated on a tree stump, quill pen in hand, eyes turned heavenward in a pose of inspiration. At his feet is a poem dedicated to his lost love, Mary Campbell, and a plough alluding to his agrarian origins. More Info Frederick George Richard Roth (18721944) created this decorative, reinforced concrete drinking fountain inspired by Lewis Carrolls childrens story Alice in Wonderland (1865). The fountain commemorates newspaperwoman and social worker Sophie Irene Loeb (1876-1929), who was the founder and first president of the Child Welfare Board of New York City. Loeb is recognized in this context for her support of recreational opportunities for children in Central Park. 1883 Edward Kemeys Still Hunt was placed in the park in 1883. This bronze sculpture of a crouching cougar waiting to pounce, was created by Edward Kemeys, the famous American sculptor who also created the famous Hudson Bay wolves at the Philadelphia Zoo and lions at the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago.

Situated on a rock outcrop on the west side of the East Drive at the edge of the Ramble, the crouching animal has scared many joggers as they climb "Cat Hill" and approach this life-size and realistic representation. Unlike the traditional sculptures of other animals in the park that sit on a base or pedestal, Kemeys situated his animal directly on the rock ledge. Kemeys was so interested in depicting his animals in a realistic mode that he traveled to the western states to see them in their native habitat. The Angel of the Waters 1873 More Info The sandstone Bethesda Terrance, with benches built into the walls, is the site of the Angel of the Waters, one of the worlds most famous fountains. Bethesda Fountain, as it is commonly called, was the only sculpture commissioned during the original design of Central Park. Twenty-six feet high and ninety-six feet in diameter, it remains one of the largest fountains in New York. Angel of the Waters was created by sculptor Emma Stebbins (1815-1882), the first woman to receive a commission for a major public work in New York City.

She worked on the design of the statue in Rome, from 1861 until its completion in 1868. Cast in Munich, it was finally dedicated in Central Park five years later. The lily in the angels hand represents purity, while the four figures below represent Peace, Health, Purity, and Temperance. More Info This elegant bronze statue is the work of British sculptor George Blackall Simonds (1844-1929). The statue depicts a young falconer in Elizabethan garb, holding aloft a falcon poised for release. It is installed on a cylindrical granite pedestal perched on a natural rock outcropping south of the 72nd Street transverse road, and east of the park's West Drive. The Monument to the Maine 1913 Attilio Picarelli The Maine Monument stands at Merchants Gate, a park entrance named in 1862 to recognize the importance of commerce and business in New York City. The monument honors the 258 American sailors who perished when the battleship USS Maine exploded in the harbor of Havana, Cuba, then under Spanish rule. The monument is rich in allegory and symbolism.

Atop the center pylon rides the bronze figure of a woman, Columbia Triumphant, drawn in a seashell chariot by three sea horses. In the front of the tall shaft is an allegorical group arranged in a ship configuration. The youth at the prow of the ship holds his hands in the sign of the Victory that he represents. Recumbent figures at the side fountains represent the Atlantic and Pacific, while those at the rear represent The Post-Bellum Idea: Justice Receiving Back the Sword Entrusted to War. The names of those who died on the Maine are inscribed on the pylon above the oceans, while all over dolphins, seashells, and sea creatures bring a unity of decoration to the complex allegorical composition. More Info On the occasion of the New England Society's 75th year, the association commissioned the statue to honor the early colonists. The pilgrim grasps the muzzle of a flintlock musket in his right hand. The pedestal comprises four bas-reliefs depicting Crossbow and Arrows, the ship Mayflower, Commerce, and Bible and Sword.

The inscription on the pedestal reads "To commemorate the Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers on Plymouth Rock: December 21, 1620." 1947 Walter Schott This sculpture came to Central Park in 1947 after the death of Samuel Untermyer. It is a cast of the original. Just how Untermyer acquired the sculpture from the Berlin original or had the cast made remains a mystery. It was donated to Central Park by Untermyer's children and was originally at his estate in Yonkers, New York. Completed before 1910 in Germany, Walter Schott's Three Dancing Maidens depicts a circle of three young women whose dresses cling to their wet bodies as if they were perpetually in the fountain's spray. One larger jet of water is featured in the middle of their dance, while two smaller jets appear on either side of the oval pool. The circle of the sculpture and base and the ellipse of the pool complement the slightly oval-shaped garden itself. Today the fountain is a joy to those who visit the Conservatory Garden, especially in spring amidst the tulip display, in early May, and in the fall when the Korean chrysanthemums bloom.

More Info This bronze bust of the Irish poet Thomas Moore (17791852) by sculptor Dennis B. Sheahan, was dedicated in Central Park in 1880. Thomas Moore, born of humble origins in Dublin, Ireland, demonstrated precocious abilities in acting, singing, and writing verse. By the time he was admitted to Trinity College in 1794, he was already a published poet. In 1800, his translation of Odes of Anacreon brought him critical acclaim. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a citizens group of Irish descent, commissioned this statue of Moore. This bust of Moore was unveiled in 1880 on the 101st anniversary of the poets birth. 1867 Auguste Nicolas Cain This striking bronze sculpture is one of the oldest in Central Park. Sculpted by Auguste Nicolas Cain (18221894), it depicts a tigress and her young who are in the process of devouring a peacock. Cast at the F.

Bardienne Foundry in Paris, Tigress and Cubs was presented in 1867 to the Board of Commissioners of Central Park by twelve New York citizens, including artist and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse. The piece was placed in a wooded area on a rock outcropping near the lake. In 1934, it was relocated to the Central Park Zoo, and after the 1988 renovation of the zoo, it took its current position in a protected setting between the Intelligence Garden and the Tropical Zone. More Info The Maine Monument commemorates the 260 American sailors who perished in 1898 when the battleship Maine exploded in the harbor of Havana, Cuba, then under Spanish rule. It is still unclear what caused the explosion, but Spain declared war on the United States. Four days after the Maine went down, newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst's New York Morning Journal called for a public collection for a monument to honor the sailors. The gilded bronze figures atop the pylon represent Columbia Triumphant leading a seashell chariot of three hippocampi, part horse, part sea-creature. They are said to be cast from metal recovered from the guns of the Maine itself.

The figures reflect America's new position as a dominant world force. A Walk in Central Park - Gone with the Family Gone with the Family April 17, 2013 A Walk in Central Park I finally had the opportunity to explore Central Park on a recent weekend in New York City . This was my fourth visit to the city but previous trips had taken place in the winter when the weather was miserable and cold and that had discouraged us from seeing the park on foot. This time we visited on the first weekend of April and were treated to lovely spring weather. Central Park was the first major landscaped urban park in the United States when it was designed in the 19th century and the 843 acre park is now a National Historic Landmark and one of the premier public urban parks in the world. We spent a couple of hours walking around the south end of the park moving at a fair pace because we knew we didn't have much time and wanted to cover as much ground as possible. We stayed at the J.W. Marriott Essex House located on Central Park South so we had easy access to the park and headed there directly from breakfast on Saturday morning.

Outside entrance to Central Park One of our first stops was near the Wollman Skating Rink where we were surprised to see skaters on a pleasant spring morning in early April. Central Park ice skating - Wollman Rink We have had an unseasonably cool spring at home so Emma was quite excited to see robins in the park. A spring robin in Central Park We decided to see the park on foot but these carriage rides did look like quite a bit of fun. We went on one on our first trip to New York more than six years ago but Emma couldn't remember it. Carriage rides in Central Park Another sign of spring that we haven't seen at home yet - daffodils blooming everywhere. Spring flowers in Central Park We stopped at the Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop which is housed in a historic Victorian building in order to purchase a map of the park ($4). The Visitor Centers and the Gift Shop are operated by the Central Park Conservancy which is a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is "to restore, manage, and enhance Central Park in partnership with the public".

Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop One of my favourite areas of the park was The Mall and Literary Walk where the tree-lined pedestrian pathway reminded me of parks in Paris. At the south end of the mall is the Literary Walk where there are statues of four famous writers (William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Fitz-Greene Halleck) plus Christopher Columbus. Walking on The Mall in Central Park Statue of Columbus in Central Park While making our way from The Mall to the Conservatory Water we discovered this statue of the sled dog Balto who was made famous in print and on screen for delivering diphtheria serum in Alaska in 1925. The popular statue was unveiled in Central Park in 1925. Balto statue in Central Park We also enjoyed walking in the quiet area around the Conservatory Water - the sailboats reminded us of the Stuart Little movie and are also reminiscent of sailing ponds in Parisian parks. Sailing boats in Central Park at the Conservatory Water A Central Park model sailboat At the Conservatory Water in Central Park Near the Conservatory Water is Central Park's tribute to Hans Christian Andersen which was erected in 1956 to commemorate the author's 150th birthday.

Kids love to climb on the bronze statue which depicts Andersen reading from his book The Ugly Duckling. During the summer months, storytelling takes place at the foot of the statue. Hans Christian Anderson - The Ugly Duckling Another statue that is very popular with kids is the 11 foot tall bronze of Alice in Wonderland which appears to be as much fun to climb on as any playground structure. I was talking to the mother of a young girl who said that they visit every weekend and her daughter insists each and every time that they take a photo with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and friends. Playing at the Alice in Wonderland statue From there we walked toward the Loeb Boathouse where boats can be rented to row on The Central Park Lake. The 18 acre Lake is the second-largest man-made body of water in the park. Boating on the lake in Central Park The beautiful 26 foot high Bethesda Fountain which is the focal point of Bethesda Terrace was commissioned as part of the original design of Central Park and dedicated in 1873.

The sculpture is called Angel of Waters and was designed by Emma Stebbins who became the first woman to receive a commission for a major work of art in the city of New York. From Bethesda Terrace, we headed across the park toward the west boundary. Enjoying a spring day in Central Park Finishing up our walk in Central Park We completed our walk near Central Park West at Strawberry Fields which was created as a tribute to John Lennon and named for the Beatles' song Strawberry Fields Forever. Lennon was murdered in 1980 outside his apartment located adjacent to the park. The black and white Imagine Mosaic draws visitors who want to pay homage to Lennon and quietly contemplate a world without conflict. John Lennon Memorial in Central Park We didn't come close to seeing everything that there is to see in Central Park but we will definitely return and I now have a better idea what I want to see the next time. On our wish list for a subsequent visit are: the Central Park Zoo; Belvedere Castle, the Shakespeare Garden; the Conservatory Garden; the Central Park Carousel; and a Central Park tour.

What You Need To Know The boundaries of Central Park are: 59th Street on the South; 110th Street on the North; Central Park West on the West; and 5th Avenue on the East. Central Park is open daily from 6:00 am until 1:00 am 365 days a year. Restrooms are available at various locations throughout the park. The park has two full-service restaurants, five concession stands with outdoor seating and concession carts scattered throughout the park. There are 21 playgrounds in the park. The Central Park Conservancy offers guided walking tours year-round. Cellphone tours of many attractions are featured throughout the park. Look for green Central Park AudioGuide signs with the phone number to dial for each attraction. Detailed information for park visitors is available on the Central Park Conservancy's website . Things to See and Do - The Official Website of Central Park NYC Things to See and Do Official Caretakers of Central Park Get the Inside Scoop on Central Park Events! Sign Up Things to See and Do There's always something to see or do in Central Park!

Filter the list of things to see and do by featured attraction, type of attraction, audience, and general location in the Park using the dropdown lists below. Andrew Haswell Green Bench Dedicated to the "Father of New York City," this stone bench offers a tranquil spot for reflection in the open greenery of Fort Fish. While perhaps an unfamiliar name to many, Green played a pivotal role in the creation of Central Park. Bank Rock Bay The narrow inlet of water at the northern tip of the Lake, Bank Rock Bay is a popular bird-watching area that lies just beyond Oak Bridge. In 2008, Central Park Conservancy restored the site as part of a larger effort to secure the Lake's eroding shoreline. Bridge No. 24 One of the oldest examples of cast iron bridges in America, Bridge No. 24 is located near the south gate house of the Reservoir and spans the Bridle Path. It was restored by the Central Park Conservancy in 1989, and again in 2012.

Christopher Columbus 1892 was marked by celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Columbus's arrival in the Americas and to commemorate the event, Italians funded the dedication of Gaetano Russo's Columbus Circle stone monument on the perimeter of Central Park. Another statue of Columbus, by Spanish sculptor Jeronimo Sunol was unveiled on May 12, 1894 on the Mall. Dogs in Central Park Thousands of dogs, and their owners, visit Central Park every week, and are part of the vibrant community that makes it such a special place. Central Park Paws, a program of Central Park Conservancy, encourages dog owners to become stewards of the Park, and serves as the connector between the dog community, Central Park, and the Conservancy. Gapstow Bridge Curving gracefully over the neck of the Pond at 59th Street, Gapstow is one of the iconic bridges of Central Park. It is the second bridge in its place. The first, a much more elaborate wood and iron bridge, designed by Jacob Wrey Mould, deteriorated and was replaced in 1896.

Harlem Meer Central Park designers Olmsted and Vaux named this man-made water body "the Meer" - Dutch for "lake." It memorialized the former separate village of Harlem that was settled in the 17th Century by European settlers and included the upper regions of Central Park. Heckscher Playground When Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed Central Park in the 19th Century, they designated this 10-acre meadow in the southwest corner of the Park as a "playground" — the term used to describe a versatile open meadow intended for games, sports and informal play. Hernshead Hernshead, a promontory that juts out into the Lake, is named after what must have once been the shape of a "hern" or heron’s head, and a bird often sighted in Central Park. Hernshead is planted with seasonal flowers and aquatic plantings. Information Kiosk Get directions, maps and information about Central Park at the Park's three information kiosks. Staffed by Conservancy volunteers, the booths are open from April through November.

They are located at East 72nd Street; West 72nd St, southeast of Strawberry Fields near the Daniel Webster statue; and at the Sixth Avenue entrance to the Park near 59th Street. King Jagiello This imposing statue was originally featured at the entrance to the Polish pavilion at the 1939 World's Fair of Flushing Meadows, Queens. Later that year, the Nazis invaded Poland, preventing the sculpture's return to its homeland. In 1945, it was placed in Central Park by the Polish government as a symbol of the proud and courageous Polish people. Memorial Flagpoles The New York City Memorial Flagpole was installed in 1928 to memorialize employees of the City of New York killed in service. The Red Cross Memorial Flagpole honors civilian members of the Red Cross who served during World Wars I and II. Osborn Gates One of the most important pieces of art in the Park, the cast-bronze gates were created by renowned sculptor Paul Manship. The Conservancy refurbished the gates in 2009, and today they stand at the entrance of Ancient Playground at Fifth Avenue and 84th Street.

Peter Jay Sharp Children's Glade The Peter Jay Sharp Children's Glade was once an overgrown and underused area, but in 2007 the Conservancy's design team added grass glades, stone and tree trunk seating, and country paths to turn the area into a place for children to explore nature, arts and culture. Playmates Arch Playmates Arch, designed by Calvert Vaux in 1863, links the Dairy and the Carousel, and its light-hearted name comes from its position in the Children's District, the area in the southern end of the Park that had many features and amenities dedicated to children. Pool Grotto Jutting from the southwest of the Pool, this naturalistic boulder grotto is the well-concealed reminder that Central Park is entirely man-made. This naturalistic boulder grotto conceals the 48-inch pipe that feeds the Pool fresh water from the Reservoir just half a mile south.

Pulitzer Fountain When newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer died in 1911, he bequeathed $50,000 "for the erection of a fountain like those in the Place de la Concorde, Paris, France." Pulitzer got the idea to locate the fountain in Grand Army Plaza from Karl Bitter, the Austrian sculptor, who proposed a symmetrical plaza for this area. Rollerblading Central Park's drives provide a challenging course for in-line skating. Circling the entire Park, the drives provide three long distance routes - 6.1 miles, 5.2 miles or 1.7 miles, or shorter distances if you cross the Park at a number of scenic locations Samuel F. B. Morse This statue of the famed inventor of the wire telegraph stands at Inventor's Gate, on Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street. It is one of the only statues in the Park that memorializes the profession of the named gate (the other is Alexander Von Humboldt at Naturalists' Gate). Seneca Village Site Seneca Village may possibly have been Manhattan's first stable community of African American property owners.

Located from 81st to 89th Streets between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in what is now a section of Central Park, the village is important part of the history of New York City. Shakespeare Garden Shakespeare Garden is a four-acre landscape is named for the famed English poet and playwright. The garden is features flowers and plants mentioned in his poems and plays, with small bronze plaques scattered throughout the garden with quotes from the Bard. Sheep Meadow Although today the Park's largest lawn without ballfields features people it was originally the home to a flock of pure bred sheep from 1864 until 1934. The sheep and shepherd were housed in a fanciful Victorian building nearby, what became the famous Tavern on the Green restaurant in 1934. Central Park Travel Guide – Things to Do in Central Park, NYC | The Official Guide to New York City Central Park Zoo The Central Park Zoo is a microcosm of the world's wildlife population, offering a glimpse into the jungles beyond the City. The zoo is maintained by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which also oversees the Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, New York Aquarium and Prospect Park Zoo.

The Central Park Zoo was not part of the original vision for the park, but after it began receiving informal gifts of wild animals, plans to build a menagerie to house them were approved in 1864. Over the next century, the zoo continued to grow and expand, and in 1980, the WCS took over. In 1988, the organization opened the renovated facility that we know today, located between 63rd and 66th Streets on the Fifth Avenue side of the park. The zoo houses more than 130 species of animals, all kept in environments that mimic their natural habitats—from tropical to temperate to polar zones. The list includes grizzly bears, penguins, red pandas, snow leopards, birds and frogs. A particular favorite of zoo-goers is the sea lion feeding, which takes place three times daily at the Sea Lion Pool. The Tisch Children's Zoo, added in 1997, offers a petting zoo, the Enchanted Forest and educational programs for children led by the WCS Educational Department.

Friedsam Memorial Carousel Don't leave Central Park without making a stop at its famous carousel, located at 64th Street in the middle of the park. Though it may seem like an attraction for children, taking a ride on one of the 58 glorious, hand-carved horses is a fun experience at any age. The carousel has an interesting history—from 1871 to 1924, it was powered by a blind mule and a horse that walked on a treadmill in an underground pit. The subsequent, steam-powered version was destroyed by fire in 1924, and the rebuilt ride suffered the same fate in 1950. Today's carousel, designed in 1908 by Brooklyn's Stein & Goldstein, was erected in 1951; the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation discovered the apparatus in storage at an old Coney Island trolley terminal. It is still among the largest carousels in the country. One of the park's more popular attractions, it is open, weather permitting, seven days a week from April to October and usually on weekends from November to March (call ahead), and draws in nearly 250,000 riders annually.

Expect to stand in line on warm summer days, when you can take advantage of the food and balloon vendors who set up nearby. Victorian Gardens. Wollman Rink and Victorian Gardens Ice-skating in New York City is at the top of many to-do lists, and this happens to be one of the more spectacular venues to take a spin, since it offers stunning views of the park and the Midtown skyline. The rink is operated by the Trump Organization, which led a major renovation of the facility in 1986. In the summer, the arena is transformed into the Victorian Gardens amusement park, which houses rides and other entertainment for families. Located about halfway between the east and west sides of the park at 63rd Street, Wollman Rink is open for ice-skating between October and April; Victorian Gardens is open from Memorial Day weekend through the last week in August. The Mall at Central Park. Photo: Christopher Postlewaite The Mall and Literary Walk If you're looking for a picturesque location within Central Park to take a stroll, head to the Mall.

Covered by an awning of beautiful American elm trees, this pathway (from 66th to 72nd Streets) is the only straight line in the park and was designed as a grand promenade. While the Mall is still the place to see and be seen, the real draw is the magnificence of the trees. More than just visually appealing, these elms are also essential to the City's overall environmental health, improving air and water quality, reducing flooding and erosion, and keeping temperatures lower in the summer months. They are also some of the largest, and last, remaining American elms in North America, so they are truly priceless, and the Central Park Conservancy takes painstaking efforts to care for them. The southern end of the Mall is the Literary Walk, so called because it is lined with statues of writers William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Fitz-Greene Halleck (a well-known American poet in his day)—and Christopher Columbus, who is often referred to as “the odd man out.” Rumsey Playfield. Rumsey Playfield Rumsey Playfield serves two very different purposes: it's both a ball field and a concert venue.

Every summer, the space serves as the primary venue for SummerStage, a celebrated series of outdoor events that the City Parks Foundation hosts. This surplus of free music has been around since 1986, and for its first 24 years it took place solely in Central Park—specifically, since 1990, Rumsey Playfield. Over the years, it's expanded to include dance, film and spoken word; in 2010, it branched out to all five boroughs. The playfield is also the location of choice for Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series, which features the hottest pop acts performing every Friday morning from May through the week before Labor Day. During the remainder of the year, the area is much less crowded and serves as a ball field for school sporting events. Rumsey Playfield is located closer to the Fifth Avenue side of the park at 69th Street. Strawberry Fields/Imagine Mosaic This meditative and peaceful memorial was dedicated on October 9, 1985—what would have been the 45th birthday of John Lennon.

Created by Yoko Ono, landscape architect Bruce Kelly and the Central Park Conservancy to honor the late singer-songwriter, the space was named after the famous Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Located at Central Park West and West 72nd Street, Strawberry Fields is situated across from the Dakota—where Lennon lived from 1973 until his death outside that very building in 1980. Inside the memorial is a large, black-and-white mosaic with the word “Imagine” in the center—a reminder of one of Lennon's most famous songs as a solo artist and his message to cultivate peace and lovingkindness. During the spring and summer, flowers bloom throughout the area, and visitors can be found at any time during the year leaving their own dedications and floral tributes in honor of the late peace activist. Advertisement Bethesda Terrace/Fountain One of the most filmed and recognizable locations in all of New York City, Bethesda Terrace is often referred to as the heart of Central Park. Located at the north end of the Mall, Bethesda Terrace was intended to be a grand space at the end of the walk where people could gather and socialize.

The two-story terrace, which overlooks the Lake and southern sections of the Ramble, features intricate carvings that represent both the times of day and the four seasons. Two stone staircases connect the upper level to the lower one, at the center of which is the Bethesda Fountain—also known as the Angel of the Waters—a biblical allusion and also a celebration of the water system that first brought water to New York City in 1842. The terrace and fountain are located at 72nd Street, halfway between the east and west sides of the park. In the warmer months, crowds gather to soak up the sun and people-watch at this popular attraction. Conservatory Water Made famous by Stuart Little (both the E. B. White book and the movie), Conservatory Water is probably best known as the place to sail model boats from April to October. The original plans for Central Park included a flower garden and tropical-plant conservatory that were never built. Designers Olmsted and Vaux were forced to come up with another plan for the surrounding reflecting pool, located between 72nd and 75th Streets off Fifth Avenue, and decided to create formal ponds suitable for model boat.

Sailing and racing boats has become a favorite pastime here, and it's an enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike. Take a seat on one of the surrounding benches to enjoy the action while you marvel at some of the park's most beautiful trees, including Lebanon cedars, willows and pine, beech and cherry trees. In the colder months, Conservatory Water is sometimes frozen into a small-scale public ice-skating rink. On the eastern side of Conservatory Water sits the Kerbs Boathouse, which houses boats as well as a café that sells light snacks and beverages. Also nearby are statues of Hans Christian Andersen—site for a much-loved children's storytelling series—and Alice of Alice in Wonderland. Loeb Boathouse. Loeb Boathouse The Loeb Boathouse boasts a setting that few other venues can match, and for this reason it's the site of many weddings and private parties. Nestled up against the Lake at 75th Street toward the eastern side of the park, the Boathouse provides indoor and outdoor dining in one of the most romantic locales in New York City.

After your meal, take a ride on the lake in a gondola (during the summer months) or rented boat (available April to November), or join the many bird-watchers who count this spot as a great place to record their sightings. Another way to enjoy this area of the park is to rent a bike and pedal your way through—just be sure to keep an eye out for the swans and ducks that roam nearby. Belvedere Castle. Belvedere Castle Belvedere Castle, designed by Calvert Vaux in the 1860s as a lookout point for the Great Lawn to the north and the Ramble to the south, initially served only as a charming and decorative addition to the park. The castle (located near the middle of the park at 79th Street) sits atop Vista Rock—one of the highest natural elevations inside the park—and provides unparalleled views of the aforementioned locations as well as the Delacorte Theater and Turtle Pond.

Since 1919, the castle has taken on an additional role: it's the site from which the National Weather Service records temperatures and other weather-related data via scientific instruments installed at the tower (be sure to check out the interactive weather exploration station on the building's top floor). Over the years, the castle became rundown, and the Central Park Conservancy restored and renovated it in 1983. The castle, open daily, hosts a variety of free family and community events throughout the year. Discovery Kits—which include binoculars, a hand lens, flora and fauna identification guides, colored pencils and paper—are available to borrow, with a picture ID (and deposit for large groups), on behalf of budding naturalists. Delacorte Theater. Delacorte Theater The Delacorte Theater is home to the Public Theater's most anticipated summertime theater program, Shakespeare in the Park. Public Theater founder Joseph Papp began a series of traveling Shakespeare productions in 1957; in 1962, the open-air Delacorte Theater was completed to house these productions, thanks to a generous donation from philanthropist George T.

Delacorte Jr., who wanted to replace the production's portable stage and folding chairs with a real amphitheater. The very first production at the theater was The Merchant of Venice, starring George C. Scott and James Earl Jones. The theater has presented performances of many other classic works and has featured numerous other A-list stars, including Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Natalie Portman and Al Pacino. The Delacorte Theater sits at the southwest corner of the Great Lawn near West 80th Street and seats 1,800 people, with the beautiful Turtle Pond and Belvedere Castle as its backdrop. Tickets for Shakespeare in the Park productions (generally late May through August each year) are free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis at several ticket giveaway locations. The Great Lawn. Great Lawn At the very center of Central Park sits one of the world's most famous green spaces, the Great Lawn—55 acres of grass and baseball diamonds that were once the City's main reservoir. In addition to being one of the best places to lay out a blanket and sunbathe, take a nap, read a book or have a picnic, the Great Lawn is also renowned for its many musical performances.

Simon & Garfunkel gave a concert here (1981), as did Bon Jovi (2008), and the site regularly plays host to performances by the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic. As with most of the beautiful features in Central Park, the credit for the Great Lawn's upkeep goes to the Central Park Conservancy, which in 1995, began an extensive two-year restoration after it had become rundown following overuse during previous decades. Open from the first Saturday in April to Thanksgiving weekend, the Great Lawn is at the center of the park between 79th and 86th Streets. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir The 1.58-mile track surrounding the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is the best-known jogging trail in all of New York City. Some of the more famous runners who have jogged this path include Madonna, Bill Clinton and, of course, Jackie Onassis (for whom the reservoir was renamed in 1994 in honor of her contributions to the City). The 40-foot-deep reservoir, between 86th and 96th Streets, holds more than 1 billion gallons of water.

It was originally built as a backup to the City's main water supply but now serves as an ecological sanctuary that houses more than 20 species, including herons, egrets, loons, coots and wood ducks. The main entrance to the reservoir is at Fifth Avenue and 90th Street. Conservatory Garden Step off busy Fifth Avenue at 105th Street through the stately Vanderbilt Gate (the original entryway of the Vanderbilt Mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street—now the home of Bergdorf Goodman) and into the six-acre Conservatory Garden, a stunning display of foliage and a feast for all five senses. The garden opened in 1898 as an E-shaped greenhouse; it was torn down in the mid-1930s after severe deterioration and replaced by the current garden. In 1983, the Central Park Conservancy stepped in and performed further restoration on the garden, which is divided into three sections. The north garden, done in classic French style, features a fountain called Three Dancing Maidens along with boxwoods, pansies, tulips and chrysanthemums.

The central garden has a distinct Italian style, with a large lawn at the center surrounded by hedges of yews and pink-and-white crab apple trees. There is also a large fountain and a wisteria pergola, a beautiful setting that makes it a popular spot for wedding photography. The south garden is English in style and is the least formal of the three, with a bronze sculpture—the Burnett Memorial fountain—at the center that depicts the young boy and girl characters from the book The Secret Garden (written by Frances Hodgson Burnett), along with various perennial trees and shrubs. The conservancy offers tours of the Conservatory Garden each Saturday morning and one Wednesday afternoon per month from April through October. Advertisement Huddlestone Arch Central Park is home to 21 arches, and while each one is spectacular in its own right, the Huddlestone Arch has a special story to tell. It's built from enormous uncut boulders—one of which is said to weigh 100 tons—and is supported not by mortar, concrete or metal but by gravity and friction alone. The arch also supports traffic that passes above and has done so since it was constructed in 1866 without ever needing a repair.

This miracle of physics is thought by many to be the most picturesque of all the arches, and though it's man-made, it gives the appearance of a natural phenomenon. In the spring, beautiful yellow forsythias bloom and hang over the entrance of the arch. Nestled in the serene setting of the Ravine, Huddlestone Arch sits at the center of the park near 105th Street and feels worlds away from the big city. Harlem Meer.

Question: Statues of Hans Christian Anderson, William Shakespeare, Christopher Columbus and Alice in Wonderland are located in which famous park?
Answer: Central Park